London - The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, will resign if the Church of England decides to consecrate women bishops, it emerged yesterday. Dr Hope has told friends he would never be able to take part in the consecration of women and the only logical conclusion would be to resign if the church agreed to promote women priests. A private member's motion is expected in the General Synod, possibly as early as July, as the first step towards consecrating women.
Other parts of the worldwide Anglican Church already have female bishops. Since the church began ordaining women five years ago, 2,000 have become priests and 450 clergy have resigned in protest.